Demountable furniture web construction



Marchv 6, 1962 c. EAMES DEMOUNTABLE FURNITURE WEB CONSTRUCTION 2Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 8, 1959 P l l H n l l H width wnufll 1 n iINVENTOR. CHARLES EAMES ATTQRNEYS March 6, 1962 c. EAMES 3,@24,068

DEMOUNTABLE FURNITURE was CONSTRUCTION Filed April 8, 1959 2Sheets-Sheet 2 s4 66 F76 60 e2 F/G/Z s4 66 62 74 INVENTOR. CHARLES EAMESATTQWNEW traits tas saunas Patented Mar. 6, 1962 3,024,068 DEMOUNTABLEFURNITURE WEB CUNhTRIKITiON (lharics lEames, Venice, (Ialifi, assignorto Herman Miiier, Inc, a corporation of Michigan Filed Apr. 8, 1959,Ser. No. 304,992 I3 Ciaims. (III. 297-455) This invention relates tofurniture. More particularly, it relates to a demountable web for usewith a chair frame and the like of the type disclosed in a co-pendingapplication, Serial No. 764,059, filed September 29, 1958, for Web andSpreader Furniture Construction, of which the instant application is acontinuation-in-part.

In said co-pending application, there is disclosed a furnitureconstruction involving a chair frame of unique structure. The framecomprises a pair of side rails, each of which in side view is curved inthe form of a lazy L. The side rails are held rigidly in spacedrelationship by a pair of Spreaders. One of the Spreaders is secured toa base to support the entire frame structure. The side rails each havean outwardly opening channel or groove extending their entire length.Across the rails and from end to end thereof, there is mounted a webwhich functions to support the body of a user of the chair. The lateralmargins of the web are disposed in the outwardly opening channels of theside rails. Moreover, the construction of the frame and web and themanner of installing the Web are such that the web, when mounted, isunder tension at all times.

Among the purposes of this invention is to provide a web to be stretchedbetween a pair of frame members of a unit of furniture as, for example,the chair disclosed in said co-pending application.

This web has the advantage of being readily mountable and demountableand these operations may be performed without the use of conventionalfasteners. The elimination of such fasteners is advantageous. Itdistributes the loads evenly along the margins of the web rather thanconcentrating them in the areas of the fasteners. This reduces thestrength requirements of the web as well as structural failure. It alsomakes it possible to mount and demount the web many times withoutinjury, such as normally occurs with conventional fasteners.

This invention provides a web construction having sufficient structuralstrength to withstand the severe tension loadings imposed on furniture,such as chairs, and to this end it provides a web of limitedstretchability and high tensile strength. The characteristics arecombined with light weight and maximum durability even under exteriorweather conditions. It also eliminates the necessity for the precisetooling necessary to align the openings for the fasteners in the web andthe frame where both are separately formed.

The web will contour smoothly and readily under the users body withoutpoints of concentrated resistance. The design of the web alsoincorporates bands of reinforcement in areas (such as the small of theback) where added support to the body contributes greatly to the comfortof the user. In past constructions, attempts to use light weight webs inchairs have not proven satisfactory because in the normal areas ofconcentrated loads they have exhibited excessive distortion, forcing theuser to assume an uncomfortable posture. This invention eliminates thisproblem without creating zones of excessive resistance to deflection.

In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the reinforcementbands are arranged in such a manner as to relocate the areas of greaterload in places other than where they would normally occur if the webwere a simple, continuous web, and therein lies the nub of the comfortprovided by the web of this invention. The reinforcement bands areplaced above and below the buttocks supporting area to reduce the loadthere under use conditions and carry more of the body weight on theupper legs and, more important, the small of the back. It is theintermediate band, and its location, more than any other single factorwhich makes the web or sling of this invention work better than others.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the demountable,furniture web construction of this invention prior to installation in afurniture frame of the type described.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the plane IIII ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the plane III-III ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the plane IV-IV of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a modification of that portion of the webconstruction illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the embodiment of FIG. 4 in installedposition.

FIG. 7 is a sectionalized, perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a sectionalized, perspective view showing the embodiment ofFIG. 4 in installed position.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing another modification of that portionof the web construction illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of another preferred embodiment of thedemountable web construction of this invention at a semifinal step ofits assembly.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal side view of the demountable web constructionof FIG. 10 as it might appear after the first step in its manufacture.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the plane XII- XII of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken as along the plane XII-XII afteranother step in the manufacture of this embodiment has been performed.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken as along the plane XII-XII after afinishing step in the manufacture of this embodiment has been performed.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken as along the plane XIIXII after thisembodiment has been installed in a chair frame of the type described insaid co-pending application.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the bottom end of the embodiment ofFIG. 10 in installed position. 1

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view looking towards the front of the chairframe in the view of FIG. 16.

In general, the drawings broadly disclose a web basically comprising agenerally rectangular sheet of material having the properties offlexibility, high tensile strength and stretchability. At least at theupper end or upper body supporting portion, at an intermediate orsmall-of the-back supporting portion and at the lower end or lower bodysupporting portion of the sheet there is provided a transverselydisposed band of reinforcement. This band in each case may be formedfrom a preferably underlying, reinforcement panel of sheet materialhaving substantially the same properties of flexibility, tensilestrength and stretchability. Adjacent each side margin of the sheetthere is provided a stiffener element. Preferably each stiffener elementis in the form of a cross sectionally rigid but longitudinally flexiblestrip underlying the sheet and extending from the region of the upperend portion of the sheet to the region of the lower end portion of thesheet. The length of the strip is such that the entire stiffener elementcan be accommodated in the outwardly opening channel of furniture framesuch as a chair frame side rail. Preferably, each side portion of thesheet is wrapped under the corresponding reinforcement strip and thebottom section of the side portion secured to the top section of theside portion. In addition, the upper and lower ends of the sheet may befolded under and the top and bottom sections thus formed securedtogether.

Specifically, FIGS. l-9 illustrate a demountable web 10 in the form of acomposite structure. This embodiment of the web may be broadly describedas a pad having a pattern surface. In particular, the web 10 comprises agenerally rectangular sheet 18 having a lower end L and an upper end H.Under use conditions, the lower end region of the sheet 18 functions tosupport an average sitters body at the lower thighs while the upper endregion of the sheet 18 functions to support the upper portion of theaverage sitters body. This upper portion may be just the shoulders as inthe case of the low back type of chair frame. This upper portion mayalso include the head as in the case of the high back type of chairframe.

Underlying the sheet 18 is a reinforcement and cush ioning structure.This structure comprises a bottom sheet 12 having generally the sameplan view shape as the overlying main sheet 18 and thus a lower end Land an upper end H. Preferably, however, the bottom sheet 12 is somewhatshorter in longitudinal and lateral dimensions whereby, when in unfoldedcondition, the peripheral portion of the overlying sheet 18 overlaps theperipheral portion of the bottom sheet 12.

superposed on the bottom sheet 12 are three, generally rectangular,reinforcement panels 14a, 14b and 140. One panel 14a is transverselyarranged under the lower end region or leg supporting portion of theoverlying main sheet 18. The second panel 14b is transversely arrangedunder an intermediate region of the overlying main sheet 18, whichcorresponds substantially to the small-of-the-back supporting region ofthe web 11 The third panel 14c is transversely arranged under the upperend or H end region of the overlying main sheet 18, which regionfunctions as an upper body support.

Covering generally the bottom sheet 12 and the reinforcement panels 14a,14b, and 14c, but disposed beneath the overlying main sheet 18 is alayer of foam cushioning material 16. The lateral dimension of the foamcushioning material 16 is preferably less than the lateral dimension ofthe bottom sheet 12 and the reinforcement panels. The longitudinaldimension of the foam cushioning mate'- rial is also less than thelongitudinal dimension of the bottom sheet 12. The layer of foamcushioning material 16 is longitudinally interrupted by a plurality oftransversely and inwardly directed depressions 20 of the overlying mainsheet 18 and corresponding transversely and inwardly directeddepressions 22 of the bottom sheet 12 and reinforcement panelscombination. Consequently, the foam cushioning material 16 is disposedin transversely arranged pockets and the top and bottom sides of the web10 have a tufted or pattern appearance.

The web 10 is provided with a stiffener or reinforcement strip element24 along each lateral margin. As shown in FIG. 4, each stiffener elementis disposed underneath the underlying main sheet 18 in a pocket 23formed preferably by folding under the corresponding overlapping sideportions 31 of the overlying sheet 18.

The web 10 is also preferably provided with a transversely disposedstiffener element 26 adjacent the H end thereof and a transverselydisposed stiffener element 28 adjacent the L end thereof. As indicatedin FIG. 3, each stiffener element 26 and 28 is likewise disposedunderneath the overlying main sheet 18 in a pocket 25. This pocket isformed preferably by wrapping the individual elements 26 and 28 in thecorresponding overlapping end portions 29 of the overlying main sheet18.

The lateral stiffener elements 24 are indicated in FIG. 1 as terminatingshort of the ends of the web 10. Likewise, the transverse stifienerelements 26 and 28 are indicated in FIG. 1 as terminating short of thesides of the web 10. Thus, each corner region of the web 10 is adaptedthereby for being secured to the ends of the chair frame side rails 32in the manner indicated in FIGS, 16 and 17 and to be describedhereinafter. Moreover, there is no need for the lateral overlappingportions of the main sheet 18 to extend from end to end of said sheet.Indeed, it is preferred that the lateral overlapping portions of themain sheet be only substantially co-extensive with the correspondingstiffener elements 24. Consequently, the main sheet 18 is preferablyformed with the corners cut away. In either case, however, theoverlapping portions 29 and 31 appear and function as flap members.

Preferably, each of the stiffener elements 24, 26 and 28 are furthersecured to the main sheet 18 by a sewn thread 30.

The web 10 may be assembled by the following suggested procedure. First,the bottom sheet 12 is laid out on a horizontal surface, such as, forexample, a tray for a heat sealing machine. Next, the reinforcementbands or panels 14a, 14b and are placed in position over the bottomsheet 12. In such position, the marginal ends of the reinforcementpanels and bottom sheet should be in substantial alignment. A slab offoam cushioning material 16 is then placed in position over the bottomsheet 12 and reinforcement panels 14a, 14b and 14c. Next, the main sheet18 is placed in position over the slab of foam cushioning material 16.If the various sheets have already been trimmed, the fiap members 29 and31 of the main sheet 18, however, will extend outwardly from the sheet18 beyond the marginal sides and ends of the slab of cushioning material16, the reinforcement panels 14a, 14b and 140, and the bottom sheet 12.

The assembled structure is then placed into a conventional type, heatsealing machine comprising a press and a top side die. The main sheet 18should be facing this die. The die comprises transverse electrodescorresponding to the transverse depressions 20 of the web 10,Preferably, the die also comprises a perimeter electrode correspondingto the inner portion of the generally rectangular periphery of the web10 between the pockets 23 and 25 (yet to be formed) and the foamcushioning material 16. The machine is operated and the internally heatsealed depressions 20 and 22 are formed. In addition, the bottom sheet12, the reinforcement panels 14a, 14b and 140, and main sheet 18 areperipherally bonded together.

At this point, if trimming has not already occurred, the bottom sheet 12and reinforcement panels 14a, 14b and 140 should be trimmed back to themarginal peripheral heat seal and, if not already done, the cornerportions of the main sheet 18 cut away, leaving the flap members 29 and31 intact.

The stiffener elements 24, 26 and 28 are then placed in position andsecured to the main sheet 18, preferably in the following describedmanner.

The heat sealed structure is turned bottom side up and the lateralstiffener elements 24 are placed on the bottom sheet 12 with the outsidelateral edge of each in substantial alignment with the correspondinglateral edge of the bottom sheet 12. A thread 30 is then sewn througheach stiffener element and underlying bottom sheet 12, reinforcementpanels 14a, b and c and main sheet 12. Preferably, the sewing line oneach side of the main sheet 18 extends from one end to the other end ofthe web on each side thereof. The lateral flap 31 on each side of themain sheet 18 is then folded over the corresponding stiffener elements24 and a thread 30 sewn through each entire marginal combination. SeeFIG. 4 for a cross sectional view of this combination with the web 10turned over. Again it is preferred that the sewing line on each sideextend from one end to the other end of the main sheet 18.

The end stiffener elements 26 and 28 are placed on the spanned end flaps29 with the outside edge of each aligned with the edge of thecorresponding end flaps 29'. One end flap 29 and stiffener elementcombination is then rolled over inwardly once whereby the flap iswrapped around the stiffener element. A thread 36 is then stitchedthrough the stiffener element, the flap on both the top and bottom sidesof the stiffener element and throughout the length of the stiffenerelement. The flap and stiffener element combination are then rolled overinwardly once more. The relative widths of the end flaps 29 andstiffener elements 26 and 28 are such that this last step, rememberingthat at this point the web It} is bottom side up, places the wrapped endstiffener elements in each case on top of the marginal portions of thebottom sheet 12 and respective reinforcement panels 14a and Me. A thread30 is then sewn through the combination of the folded end flap,stiffener element, reinforcement panel and bottom sheet for the fulllength of the stiffener element and preferably from one end of the endflap member 29 to the other end. The same procedure is repeated with theother end flap and stiffener element combination. See FIG. 3 for a crosssectional view of the combination with the web It turned over. The webis now in assembled condition and ready for installation into afurniture frame of the type described.

Other modes of assembly can be used. Thus, as in the case of theembodiment of FIG. 5, the lateral stiffener elements 24 can be mountedin a similar fashion to the end stiffener elements. Thus, each stiffenerelements 24 can be placed in the corresponding lateral flap 31 and eachcombination of the stiffener element 24 and lateral flap 31 rolled overtwice. A thread can be sewn through the once rolled over combination andthen again through the twice rolled over combination. However, it canalso be done as indicated in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the thread 30is only sewn through the combination once and then it is done after itis rolled over twice. This is an advantage since it only involves onesewing operation per side. However, this mode of procedure may not betoo satisfactory if the main sheet 1'8 has a slippery bottom surface forthe stiffener element 24 and it becomes diflicult to maintain thecombination in a tightly folded condition before sewing.

Still another mode of assembly is represented by the modification ofFIG. 9. In this embodiment, the stiffener elements 26, 26 and 28 may beincorporated into the web construction prior to the heat sealing stepor, if after the heat sealing step, the perimeter electrode of the topside die should be rather narrow instead of wide as in the case of theembodiments of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. Preferably, however, the stiffenerelements are installed in the instant embodiment prior to heat sealing.In such case the web 10 is preferably assembled bottom side up. In suchcondition the stiffener element 24, for example, is placed over the mainsheet 18 and underneath the reinforcement panels (such as 14b) andbottom sheet 12 with the lateral outside edge thereof substantiallyaligned with the lateral edges of the reinforcement panels. The lateralflap 31 is then folded over the combination and secured by sewing athread 30 along a line adjacent the inside lateral edge of the stiffenerelement and through the flap 31, bottom sheet 12, reinforcement panelsand main sheet 18. The heat sealing step is then performed. In thisregard the perimeter electrode of the top side die should comprise atleast a narrow, inner portion to heat seal the web 10 between thestiffener element and the foam cushioning material 16. Moreover,especially when the stiffener element comprises a thermoplastic materialto which the sheets and panels can be bonded, the electrode shouldcomprise a wide, outer portion to heat seal the entire margin of the web10.

This embodiment has an advantage in that a tightly folded condition canbe obtained even if the main sheet 18 has a slippery surface for thestiffener element. Moreover, this embodiment is useful when thestiffener ele- 6 ment is a material, such as aluminum and the like,which is difficult to penetrate with a sewing needle. However, themarginal fastening is not as permanent and not as strong as in theembodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5.

To install the web in in a chair frame of the type previously describedherein, one of the side rails 3-2 of the frame is disengaged from thespreaders and moved inwardly towards the other side rail. The web it),main sheet 18 facing upwardly, is then draped over the side rails withthe L end of the web 10 at the L end of the rails and the H end of theWeb It) at the H end of the rails. Each of the lateral margins is foldeddownwardly and inwardly and then inserted into the correspondingoutwardly facing channel 3% of the rail 32. See FIGS. 6 and 8. The bodyof the stiffener element 24 in combination with the bottom and mainsheets and reinforcement panels is preferably in press fit with thechannel 34. At each end of the Web If), the ends of the web are coiledinto front and back terminal rolls, the ends of the rolls being formedaround the ends of the rails. This is made possible because of theabsence of the stiffener elements at the end regions. At each end of therails, the lateral corner portion of the web If) overlapping the rail isfolded over and stuffed into the socket 36 provided at the end of therails 32. A cone shaped, washer type, fitting 37 is then inserted intothe socket 36 over the web material therein, and a flat head machinescrew inserted through the fitting 37 and screwed into the threadedopening 33 at the back end of the socket Ed until tight. With the webIt) thus mounted on each rail 32 (see FIGS. 16 and 17), the one raildisengaged from the spreaders is pulled laterally until it can be againengaged with the spreaders, and is then so engaged. The limitedstretchahility of the web it permits this to be done without injury tothe components of the web Iii. The web Iii, under tension, is now readyfor use.

To remove the web 10, one of the side rails is merely pulled laterallyuntil it is disengaged from the spreaders and the assembly procedure isreversed.

Materials of construction used in forming the web 10 of FIGS. 1-9 areconventional, and, therefore, need not be described in detail. Ingeneral, the materials used in the web must be flexible and preferablyhave a limited amount of resilience. The materials generally must havelimited stretchability and have relatively high tensile strength towithstand the forces imposed upon them under use conditions.

Specifically, the bottom sheet 12 and the main sheet 18 may be of asheet-like material such as leather or a synthetic, polymeric materialsuch as a cured, virgin polyvinyl chloride polymer with or withoutinternal reinforcement. Preferably, the material should be thermoplasticand capable of being heat sealed. A material found to be satisfactoryfor both the main sheet 18 and bottom sheet 12 is the vinyl covered,upholstery fabric sold under the trade designation Naugahyde.

The reinforcement panels 14a, 14b and Me may be any suitablereinforcement sheeting and fabric. Particularly satisfactory has been avinyl-coated, nylon Woven fabric, such as that marketed under the tradedesignation Fiberthin.

The foam cushioning material may be foam rubber, vinyl foam, the morerecently introduced flexible polyurethane foam and the like.Particularly satisfactory has been vinyl foam since it is thermoplasticand, therefore, can be heat sealed at the margins thereof.

The stiffener elements 24, 26 and 2? are preferably of a bendable orsemi-flexible material which, however, is highly resistant to crushing.Each stiffener element is generally rectangular in cross section withits greater dimension extending laterally of the chair as the web isinstalled. It is of a material of such resistance to crushing that itwill not buckle across its greater cross sectional dimension. As anexample of a suitable mate- 7 rial for the stiffener elements, a pressedfiber board formed under heat and pressure may be used. Also, a temperedpressed board of cellulosic or ligneous origin may be used. Also usableare metallic and plastic elements, such as, for example, aluminum andstyrene. Vulcanized fiber strips have been used. However, problems arisewhen the vulcanized fibers are wetted, such as might occur when the webit is in outdoor use. Particularly satisfactory have been strips of avinyl and rubber compound marketed under the designation in the trade ofRoyalite, which are particularly waterproof and can be used in heatsealing (see P16. 9).

The embodiment of FIGS. ll5 comprises a Web St: having a lower or legend L and an upper or head end H. The web comprises a single sheet offabric 52. The sheet of fabric is folded in a special manner to providea band of reinforcement in the region 53a of the L end of the web, aband of reinforcement in the intermediate, small-of-the-back supportingregion 53b of the web, and a band of reinforcement in the region 530 ofthe H end of the web (upper shoulders supporting region).

At the H end region 530 of the web 56, there is provided a top panel 54,a middle panel 56 and a bottom panel 58. These panels are formed byfirst folding the fabric 52 back upon itself (180) and then againfolding the combination back upon itself.

At the small-of-the-back supporting region 53b of the web 50, the bottompanel 53 of the H end region becomes the top panel. Beneath the toppanel 58 in this middle region 531) is a middle panel 60 and a bottompanel 62. These panels are formed by folding the fabric 52 back onceunderneath the top panel 58 towards the H end of the web 50.

At the L end region 5312 of the web 59, the bottom panel 62 of thesmall-of-the-back supporting region 53]) becomes the top panel. Beneaththe top panel 62 of the L end region is a middle panel 66 and a bottompanel 64. These panels are formed by folding the fabric 52 backunderneath itself twice whereby the end portion of the fabric forms themiddle panel 66.

The H end margin and the L end margin of the web SE} are formed bymerely sewing a thread 74 through the panels along a line extending fromone side to the other side of the web. Note, however, that otherwise thefabric panels of the web are not transversely fastened together.

Along each lateral margin of the web 50, there is provided a lateralstiffener element 68. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, each stiffenerelement 63 is disposed on the underside of the folded fabric 52. in apocket 67 formed by a folded under, corresponding side portion of thefolded fabric 52, as shown in FIG. l4. Each stiffener element 68, itwill be observed, terminates short of the ends of the fabric.

To form the "lateral margins of the web 50, the lateral stiffenerelements 68 are positioned longitudinally on the bottom side of thefolded fabric 52 (folded as indicated in FIG. 11) with the lateraloutside edge of each element spaced from the lateral edge of the variouslayers of fabric whereby the layers of fabric overlap the stiffenerelements 68 laterally. A thread 74 is then sewn through each stiffenerelement 68 and overlying layers of fabric along the entire length of thestiffener element. At this stage, the web 50 appears as shown in FIGS.10 and 12. The next step is to trim the overlapping sides of theunderlying panels in the three regions 53a, 53b and 530 back to theoutside lateral edge of the stiffener element 68, leaving the top paneloverlapping portion in each region as is, as shown in FIG. 13. Theoverlapping lateral portion of each top panel in the three regions andof the panels of fabric between the regions is then folded under thestiffener element 68 as shown in FEG. 14. If desired, the folded underportion of the fabric 52 may be sewn to the lateral stiffener element 63on each side. This, however, is not necessary.

The web 50 is installed in the same fashion as indicated in thedescription of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9. Thus, with the top side ofthe web 5ft facing upwardly, each lateral margin of the web is foldeddown and inwardly, and inserted into the outwardly facing side channel34 of the corresponding side rail 32, as shown in H6. 13. At each end ofthe web 56, the web is coiled into a terminal transverse roll (FIG. 16).At each corner of the web 50, the lateral portions of the weboverlapping the side rail are folded under and inserted into the socket36 at the corresponding end of the side rail 32. A coneheadedcountersunk screw 4% and machined washer 3-7 are then screwed into itsscrew hole 38 at the end of the socket 36 and tightened down over thefabric to form a positive friction lock of the web, as shown in FIG. 17.

The materials of construction used in the embodiment of FIGS. 10l7 areconventional and need not be described in great detail. The fabric 52should be of a material that is flexible, has high tensile strength, andis slightly stretchable. The fabric 52 may comprise fibers of naturaland of synthetic origin. A polyvinylidene chloride polymer-coated, spun,fabric material obtainable under the trade designation Saran has beenfound to he satisfactory. The stiffener elements may be as previouslydescribed.

These materials of construction for both embodiments described hereinare recited merely as illustrative of the structure of the web and arenot to be considered limitations upon the invention since the particularcomposition of materials used in the web are not, of themselves, a partof this invention, except that they have the characteristics previouslyrecited as necessary or desirable for obtaining the objectives of theinvention.

The web construction as contained in the two embodiments described isrelatively easy to assemble. Extreme accuracy in shaping anddimensioning the web is not necessary. The web construction is such thatit can be readily installed in, and demcunted from, the chair framedescribed.

Once installed, the web construction of this invention provides acomfortable and safe seat. As already mentioned herein, the side marginsof the web construction it and 59 are seated over the top face of therails 32 and are wrapped about the outer top edge of the rails asillustrated in FIGS. 6-8 and FIG. 13. The edge margins of the web havingthe stiffener element are seated in the outer channel 34 of the rails.As so mounted, that portion of the web having the stiffener is wrappedabout the edge of the rail and therefore is directed in the oppositedirection to the main body portion of the web. As so mounted, tensionapplied to the web, such as occurs when a person is seated in the chair,cannot dislodge the edges of the web from the outer channels even thoughno fasteners are used to secure these edges to the rails. The forcescreated about the edge of the web when the body portion thereof isplaced in tension cannot pull the stiffener from the channel since thiswould require the forces to reverse their direction. The tendency is torock the stiffener out of the channel with the inner end attempting toswing downwardly. Since the stiffener is of a material which resistscrushing and will not bend in cross section, this rocking is preventedbecause the stiffener then forms a wedge between the upper and lowersurfaces of the channel. The greater the tension applied to the web, thegreater the wedging action created by the stiffener and thus the lateraledges of the web are gripped by the rail.

This provides a positive means of securing the web to the rails withoutthe use of fasteners.

Furthermore, it permits it to be done with the forces generated in theweb being transferred to the frame throughout all portions of the lengthof the web, rather than at points of concentrated load transfer, such asoccurs with the use of conventional fasteners. As already mentionedherein, the stiffener elements in each embodiment terminate just shortof the ends of the web, permitting the ends of the web to be coiled intothe front and back terminal rolls (FIGS. 16 and 17). These rolls form agenerally tubular structure at both ends of the web. The rolls or tubesformed in the ends of the web reinforce the ends of the web and preventthe ends of the web from forming a line of higher resistance tocontouring when the chair is occupied, as so often occurs in furnitureof this type.

Another major advantage of'the web construction of this invention isthat its structure will comfortably accommodate all types of sittingposture.

Due to the reinforcement structure and arrangement thereof, the webunder use conditions is capable of comfortably receiving and supportingthe upright type of sitter, the reclining type of sitter and the edgetype of sitter. Indeed, the web of this invention, when applied tochairs of the type described promotes and encourages good sittingposture without discomfort to the sitter.

In both embodiments, it accomplishes this because of the placement ofthe reinforcement bands above and below the buttocks supporting area andparticularly in the small-of-the-back supporting area. Under useconditions, each band of reinforcement and particularly the band ofreinforcement in the small-of-the-back supporting area reduces the loadon the buttocks supporting area and the shoulder supporting area, andcauses the body weight of the sitter to be carried by his upper legs andthe small of his back.

In the folded fabric embodiment (FIGS. -15), it further accomplishesthis by the longitudinal freedom of movement of the fabric 52 in thesmall-of-the-back supporting region. The center fold on panel 60 in thisregion, not being transversely sewn or fastened to the overlying andunderlying panels 53 and 62, enables the web 54} in thesmall-of-the-back supporting region 53b to stretch longitudinally of theweb under use conditions. This provides more fullness in the buttockssupporting area and shoulder supporting area, thus further increasingthe load supported by the small of the back and upper legs of the sitterand further reducing the load on the buttocks and shoulder of thesitter.

Still another major advantage of the web construction of this inventionis that its structure is inherently safe. Due to the reinforcementstructure, the web under use conditions is capable of withstandingenormous shock loads, such as would be encountered when a sitter ofheavy weight of any of the sitting posture types suddenly drops into achair.

While two preferred embodiments of this invention have been described,it will be recognized that various modifications may be made. Such ofthese modifications as incorporate the principles of this invention areto be considered as included in the hereinafter appended claims,

unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

I claim:

1. A flexible web member for an article of furniture characterized by apair of side rail means across which said web when mounted is stretched,said side rail means each having outwardly facing, lateral channelsextending substantially the entire length thereof, which comprises:flexible sheet means folded transversely 180 at the ends of said sheetmeans and intermediate thereof into underlying, transverse,reinforcement panel means; stiffener element means characterized bycross-sectional rigidity and longitudinal flexibility disposedlongitudinally of said sheet means and along the lateral margins of saidsheet means; and means for fastening together said sheet means and saidstiffener element means, whereby said lateral margins are adapted to bereceived in said lateral channels in wedge fit.

2. A flexible web member for an article of furniture characterized by apair of side rail means across which said web when mounted is stretched,said side rail means each having outwardly facing, lateral channelsextending substantially the entire length thereof, which comprises:flexible sheet means folded transversely at the ends of said sheet meansand intermediate thereof into underlying transverse reinforcement panelmeans; stiffener element means characterized by cross-sectional rigidityand longitudinal flexibility disposed longitudinally of said sheet meansand under the lateral margins thereof, the lateral portions of saidsheet means comprising lateral flap means capable of being folded 180under said lateral stiffener element means, whereby said lateral marginswith said lateral flap means so folded are adapted to be received insaid lateral channels in wedge fit.

3. A flexible web member for an article of furniture characterized by apair of side rail means between which said web when mounted isstretched, said side rail means each having outwardly facing, lateralchannels extending substantially the entire length thereof, said webbeing the sole means of support for the body of a person on said articleof furniture, which comprises: a main flexible sheet means having anupper body supporting region, a small-of-the-back supporting region, anda lower body supporting region; flexible reinforcement panel meansunderlying each of said regions incorporated into said web member andsecured to said flexible sheet means adjacent the lateral margins ofsaid web member; stiffener element means extending longitudinally ofsaid main sheet means and underlying said main sheet means and saidpanel means at the lateral margins thereof; and means for fasteningtogether said sheet means, said panel means and said stiffener elementmeans, said main sheet means comprising lateral flap extensions foldableunder said stiffener element means, whereby the lateral margins of saidweb are adapted to be received in said lateral channels in wedge fit.

4. A flexible web member for an article of furniture characterized by apair of side rail means between which said web when mounted isstretched, said side rail means each having outwardly facing, lateralchannels extending substantially the entire length thereof, said webbeing the sole means of support for the body of a person on said articleof furniture, which comprises: a main flexible sheet means having anupper body supporting region, a smallof-the-back supporting region, anda lower body supporting region; flexible reinforcement panel meansunderlying each of said regions of said main sheet means, said panelmeans being formed by 180 folds of said flexible sheet means; stiffenerelement means characterized by crosssectional rigidity and longitudinalflexibility extending longitudinally of said main sheet means andunderlying said main sheet means and said panel means at the lateralmargins thereof; and means for fastening together said sheet means, saidpanel means and said stiffener element means, said main sheet meanscomprising lateral flap extensions foldable under said stiffener elementmeans, whereby the lateral margins of said web are adapted to bereceived in said lateral channels in wedge fit.

5. A flexible web member for an article of furniture characterized by apair of side rail means across which said web when mounted is stretched,said side rail means each having outwardly facing, lateral channelsextending substantially the entire length thereof, and having socketmeans at each end thereof with fastener means, said web being the solemeans of support for the body of a person on said article of furniture,which comprises: a main flexible sheet means having an upper bodysupporting region, a small-of-the-back supporting region, and a lowerbody supporting region; flexible reinforcement panel means underlyingeach of said regions, said panel means being formed by 180 folds of saidflexible sheet means, said folds in said small-of-the-back supportingregion having a longitudinal freedom of movement; stiffener elementmeans characterized by cross-sectional rigidity and longitudinalflexibility extending longitudinally of said main sheet means andunderlying said sheet means and said panel means at the lateral marginsthereof, said stiffener element means terminating short of the ends ofsaid sheet means, whereby the ends of said sheet may be coiled interminal rolls, the ends of said rolls being capable of being foldedunder and inserted into said socket means absent said fastener means;and means for fastening together said sheet means, said panel means andsaid stiffener element means, said main sheet means comprising lateralflap extensions foldable under said stiffener element means, whereby thelateral margins of said web are adapted to be received in said lateralchannels in wedge fit.

6. A flexible web member for an article of furniture characterized by apair of side rail means across which said web when mounted is stretched,said side rail means each having outwardly facing, lateral channelsextending substantially the entire length thereof, said web being thesole means of support for the body of a person on said article offurniture, which comprises: a main flexible sheet means having an upperbody supporting region, a small-of-the-back supporting region, and alower body supporting region; foam cushioning means subjacent saidflexible sheet means; fiexible reinforcement panel means underlying saidfoam cushioning means in each of said regions; a flexible, bottom sheetmeans underlying said panel means and said foam cushioning means; thelateral portions of said main sheet means, reinforcement panel means andbottom sheet means extending beyond the lateral margin of said foamcushioning means; stiffener element means extending longitudinally ofsaid web and underlying said main sheet means, said panel means and saidbottom sheet means at the lateral extensions thereof; and means forfastening together said main sheet means, said panel means, saidstiffener element means and said bottom sheet means, said main sheetmeans comprising lateral flap extensions foldable under said stiffenerelement means, said lateral flap extension being folded under saidstiffener element means and fastened thereto, whereby the lateralmargins of said web are adapted to be received in said lateral channelsin wedge fit.

7. A flexible web member for an article of furniture characterized by apair of side rail means across which said web when mounted is stretched,said side rail means each having outwardly facing, lateral channelsextending substantially the entire length thereof and having socketmeans at each end thereof with fastener means, said web being the solemeans of support for the body of a person on said article of furniture,which comprises: a main flexible sheet means having an upper bodysupporting region, a small-of-the-back supporting region, and a lowerbody supporting region; foam cushioning means subjacent said flexiblesheet means; flexible reinforcement panel means underlying said foamcushioning means in each of said regions; a flexible bottom sheet meansunderlying said panel means and said foam cushioning means, the lateralportions of said main sheet means, said panel means and said bottomsheet means extending beyond the lateral margin of said foam cushioningmeans; stiffener element means extending longitudinally of said web,underlying said lateral extensions of said main sheet means, said panelmeans and said bottom sheet means, and terminating short of the ends ofsaid main sheet means, whereby the ends of said main sheet may be coiledin terminal rolls, the ends of said rolls being capable of being foldedunder and inserted into said socket means absent said fastener means;and means for fastening together said main sheet means, said panelmeans, said bottom sheet means and said stiffener element means,

said main sheet means comprising lateral flap extensions folded undersaid stiffener element means and fastened thereto, whereby the lateralmargins of said web are adapted to be received in said lateral channelsin wedge fit.

8. A flexible web according to claim 7, which comprises: stiffenerelement means adjacent each end of said web, the ends of said main sheetmeans, said panel means and said bottom sheet means extending beyond theend margin of said foam cushioning material, said stiffener elementterminating short of the sides of said web and being seated in a pocketformed by a folded under flap portion of said main sheet means; andmeans for fastening together said main sheet means, said reinforcementpanel means, said bottom sheet means, and said end stiffener elementmeans.

9. A flexible web according to claim 7, wherein said main sheet meansand said bottom sheet means are of a thermoplastic material andtransversely of said web, said main sheet member comprises depressedportions in heat sealed contact with the underlying reinforcement panelmeans and bottom sheet means.

10. A flexible web according to claim 7, wherein the lateral portions ofsaid main sheet means, said reinforcement panel means and said bottomsheet means between said foam cushioning material means and saidstiffener element means are in heat sealed contact.

11. A flexible web member for an article of furniture comprising: aflexible surface panel, a plurality of underlying reinforcement members;said members being disposed at each end of said web member andintermediate thereof; an elongated stiffener at each end of a pair ofopposite margins of said web member; said surface panel and saidreinforcement members being joined adjacent said stiffener; saidstiffeners being characterized by crosssectional rigidity andlongitudinal flexibility.

12. A flexible Web member for an article of furniture comprising: aflexible surface panel, a flexible back panel; a plurality of underlyingreinforcement members, said members being disposed at each end of saidweb member and intermediate thereof; said panels and reinforcementmembers being characterized by high tensile strength and limitedstretchability; an interlayer between said surface and back panels offlexible foamaceous material; an elongated stiffener at each of a pairof opposite margins of said web member; said surface panel, back paneland said reinforcement members being joined adjacent said stiffener;said stiffeners being characterized by cross-sectioned rigidity andlongitudinal flexibility.

13. A flexible web member for an article of furniture comprising: aflexible surface panel of high tensile strength and limitedstretchability; said panel having reinforcement zones at each of itsends and intermediate thereof characterized by plural layers of saidpanel folded back upon itself; an elongated stiffener secured to a pairof opposite margins of said web members, said margins being at theopposite ends of said reinforcement zones; said stiffeners beingcharacterized by cross-sectioned rigidity and longitudinal flexibility.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,014,848 Reinert Jan. 16, 1912 1,246,544 Chassaing Nov. 13, 19171,281,385 Johnson Oct. 15, 1918 1,882,176 Brown Oct. 11, 1932 2,457,978Curran Jan. 4, 1949 2,761,153 Mew Sept. 4, 1956

